

The term lendr maðr is first mentioned in skald-poetry from the reign of king Olaf Haraldsson (reigned 1015–1028) in the early 11th century. The lendmenn had military and police responsibilities for their districts. King Magnus VI Lagabøte (reigned 1263–1280) abolished the title lendmann, and the lendmenn were given the title of baron. In 1308 Haakon V of Norway (reigned 1299–1319) abolished the title baron as well.

A lendmann was allowed to keep a retinue of forty without special permission from the king.[1]


In English historical literature and translations, lendmann is often translated as landed man.[2]


  1. ^ Heath, Ian (2016). Armies of Feudal Europe 1066-1300. Lulu.com. p. 39. ISBN 9781326256524. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
  2. ^ Knut Helle (1974). Norge blir en stat, 1130-1319, pp. 134-146. Universitetsforlaget.